Many years ago I heard a story that for me held a lot of truth. The story was about an old grandmaster in Judo. This grand master was lying on his deathbed after living a long life. Upon reaching his final hours, he knew he didn’t have that long to live. While lying there he requested from his students, “when you bury me, I want to be buried in my Judo suit and I want to be dressed wearing my white belt.”

Now if you know Judo, a white belt is the place every student new to martial arts starts. The grand master’s students were in shock when they heard his request. They said, “but master, you are our grand master, how can we even think about burying you in a white belt?” And the grand master replied, “for I will forever be a student.”

For me, I believe learning and educating ourselves never ends. I also think that there is an unquestionable connection between the level of success and wealth a person has in their life, whether it be in a relationship or in their bank account, to the level they are willing to commit to their own self-growth and self-education.

Based on my experience as someone who didn’t finish school, didn’t go to university and doesn’t have the fancy certificate hanging on my wall, I believe one of the primary reasons that I am successful is simply because I read the books, took and continue to take the courses and the seminars.

My edge in the marketplace is my constant hunger to learn, grow and most importantly to continuously invest in my own self-education. I believe that education is the key. Remember this, ‘’if you refuse to educate yourself, the marketplace will!” And that’s an expensive price, that I am not willing to pay, are you?

ARNON BARNES | IRRITATIONAL SPEAKER

Arnon Barnes irritates business owners into action. Without any education, he managed to achieve Financial Freedom at the age of 28 through real estate. Now he is a sought after International Speaker, Peak Performance Trainer and Business Mentor. Along the way he became an angel investor and serial entrepreneur, venturing out into different industries like retail, real estate and hospitality before eventually co-founding Worldwide Success Partners, a company that provides entrepreneurs and coaches with a business-in-a-box.